The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1887-02-12
CHAPTER VIII
Condolences.

Up the valley and over the moor, with
the glories of the sunset dying ont before
them, and pale half-moon clearly defined
against the lilac of the eastern sky, rising
up over the level plain behind, drove the
little party from Ettrick at the end of that
delightful day. Colonel Lyndon was
driving: Lefty sat beside him. and Millv.
whose eyes were heavy with sleep, curled
herself up on the rug at Letty's feet, and
ga2ed up at the sky. Before they had gone
4 mile her eyes were fast closed, and then
Lefty drew her up into her arms, and
made her esther head against her shoulder.
1t was natural that, under circumstances
such as these, in the deep silence of the
evening. with her Young pupil asleep III
her arms, Lefty should be moved to speak
Of her trouble to the friend by her side.
She was sensitive and clinging to an un-
usual degree. Earnestly desirous to be
and do the very best that was possible,
she was given to a distrust of herself
which was at times almost morbid. Alone
she felt ..stray, like creature lost and wan
dering. More especially was this the case
row, when her terror lest for her own COM
fort and ease she should be sacrificing the
higher interests of one so dear to her as her
little pupil was shaking her gentle soul to
its depths.
In the quiet of the long drive across the
moor Lefty, led on by few kind and wise
questions, let the full story of her troubles
escape her.
1T was easy to speak of them to Colonel
Lyndon for he did not put her off as others
had done. upon similar occasions, by any
vague talk about ver-sensitiveness. He
heard her to the end, and then began, as he
would have said. to talk ii out. When. by
his of her litfiprlti.S ha no.
made several of them lose their character,
giving, in particular, most excellent reasons
tor his belief that she was the right gov
erness for Aliliy, Lefty felt wonderfully re-
heved
1t did not occur TO her TO ask how the
Colonel could have arrived at his intimate
knowledge of the nature and requirements
of a girl of Alillys age. 1t was enough
for her that he was wise and good, that
he spoke with sincerity that WIS above
suspicion, and that be was Lady Flora S
friend.
OH she said, looking up at him with
dewy eyes Il am so glad you think am
doing right. ] shall go on much more
happily now. Are You sure | have not
troubled yen by telling you all this non
senseyn
The tremulousness OF her tone went
straight 10 the poor Colonels heart, which
began to beat III curiously irregular
fashion. My dear little girl. lie said
earnestly. Il like to be contided in. It's a
sort Of weakness of mine. | an. never SO
happy as when somebody is making a con-
hdant OF me. You will remember that, will
Won not: When you are in difficulties. YOU
viii say to yourself: There's an old friend
not taraway, who, may be able 10 help me.
will speak 10 him. -
Thank You. thank YOU. murmured the
Young Slrl. Il know Won say it because
You are kind. but | can't say no. | have
never had a friend in my life-that sort OF
friend, / mean. love Lady Flora. OF
course. aud my dear, sweet little Milly,
and every one at school was good To me
But when ! speak 10 any Que as | have
spoken 10 you, they tell me that / am NOR
oid and DEMONSTRATIONS. Can one be
cNer-consclenuous. do You think"
nat Is Tot very easy question, said
the Colonel. smiling. 1t was rather anus
ing to hun to find himself lifted st
promptly into the position of a young girl:
eonsclenee-keeper. Il should feel in
cllned 10 say both Yes and No to it. b.
went on. One cannot wish too mucn to
DO one duty: but one may think toe
much about What ones duty Is. ] look a
these things, you know, from a soldier:
point q view. II We were always thinking
We should never fight battle We mus
often make a dash. and we have to risl
something.
suppose we can never be quite certain
about anything. said Lefty, in a low voice
Except that If We honestly wish 10 d(
right We shall not be allowed to go fa
wrong"